“I have to clearly distance myself from my friend Christian here,” explains Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre in a statement about the serious allegations against Christian Ulmen, which the “Mirror” is present. After almost 30 years of close friendship, the relationship has now ended.

Collien Fernandes’ allegations appear to him to be “well-substantiated” and have caused him “an immense shock on several levels”.

Stuckrad-Barre: “My sympathy goes to her”

Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre emphasizes: “Digital sexualized violence is violence. And with violence everything, really everything, ends.” He makes it clear: “Collien has, without any ifs or buts, become a victim of horrific digital violence, and apparently also at the hands of Christian. My sympathy and my solidarity belong solely to her.”

In his eyes, the responsibility lies with men. Stuckrad-Barre says, according to “Spiegel”: “That we, especially we men, really have to get out of the habit of saying: ‘I can’t imagine that.’ And that the perpetrators are not just some dark figures from statistics, but that there are also people we admire or love.”

For the writer there is only one consequence: “It is very difficult for me, there is nothing easy about it, but it is simple: I have to clearly distance myself from my friend Christian here, I have to state this clearly, because silence could, not entirely wrongly, be interpreted as approval.” Finally he writes: “Precisely because Christian was my friend until last Thursday.”

Christian Ulmen’s lawyer comments

The magazine “Spiegel” gave Ulmen the opportunity to comment. His lawyers offered the journalists a background conversation. They therefore responded to some of the allegations. However, the conversation should not be reported.

In response to a BUNTE.de inquiry, Christian Ulmen’s lawyer announced on Thursday evening that “untrue facts are being spread based on a one-sided description.” Legal action should be taken. There was no further comment on the allegations.

So far there has been no further statement from him regarding the allegations. After Fernandes’ complaint, a preliminary investigation was initiated. So far it is unclear how the process will continue. Christian Ulmen is presumed innocent.